Harold “ Dickie ” Bird, one of the most recognisable numbers in justice history, has failed peacefully at home at the age of 92.
Yorkshire County Cricket Club verified the news with “ profound sadness, ” calling Bird “ one of the topmost characters in Yorkshire’s history. ” He’d served as the club’s chairman since 2014.
Bird’s playing career was short- lived, ending at 32 due to injury, but his alternate act as an arbiter made him a ménage name. He stood in his first county match in 1970, and over the times came one of the most famed officers in the sport. By the time he retired, he’d overseen 66 Test matches and three World Cup tests. Beyond justice, he came a artistic figure, dealing further than a million clones of his autobiography and indeed appearing on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs, where he chose the Wisden Almanack as his book of choice.
In a statement, Yorkshire said
“ Dickie Bird enjoyed an outstanding career as an transnational arbiter, writing his name into history as the most notorious and popular functionary in the game. He was synonymous with Yorkshire justice, serving as a pious supporter and, from 2014, as club chairman. He held that part with pride, during which the club won two County Championship titles. ”
Born in Barnsley in 1933, Bird first played for Yorkshire and Leicester shire before injury ended his playing days. His true heritage came in his adjudging career, which gauged 66 Tests and 69 men’s One Day Internationals, including three World Cup tests. He was respected for his integrity, humour, and unmistakable style.
raspberry came given far beyond the boundary line, loved for his warmth and crotchets. He was appointed MBE in 1986 and OBE in 2012 for his services to justice.
Yorkshire added “ He leaves behind a heritage of sportsmanship, modesty, and joy – and a legion of sweeties across generations. He’ll be flashed back as one of the topmost characters in Yorkshire’s history. ”
Yorkshire president Colin Graves told TalkSport “ It’s a sad day. He was a brilliant joe who loved being part of the Yorkshire setup and everything we do then. He’ll be sorely missed at Heading. ”
The England and Wales Cricket Board also said it was “ deeply saddened ” by his end. Barnsley Football Club, where Bird was a lifelong supporter and attended a match just 10 days agone will hold a nanosecond’s applause before Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton.
